Back in 1999 when I was 23, I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of Autism, which means that amongst other issues I have very limited social skills, my personal skills are not what they could be, and I am also unemployed as a result.

Currently I get support fromThorne House services for Autism (http://www.thorneautism.org.uk) but they are based in Doncaster, not Sheffield although they do have an office on the Viking Lea estate up on the Manor.

My point is to raise awareness of the severe lack of Sheffield based services for people such as myself, because of ignorance by society and the government regarding the issue, key services such as personal support, respite facilities etc are nowhere near as widely available to those who need them as they should be, and the few facilities there are, as you can imagine, are funded by social services and are often not as reliable as they could be.

Would anyone like to comment on this? Also if anyone has questions about AS, or would like to contact me, you can talk to me on MSN Messenger at yorkshire_xboxkid@hotmail.com or by email-ing me at mailto:rich@f2s.tele2.co.uk

Thank you for your time.

Oops! Silly me, I just typed all that out and just realised I posted it in the wrong forum!

Can a moderator please move it to the right one please? :D

Hi there. Moved it for you as requested.

Hi Rich

I don't know much about the condition myself but can Thorne house put you in contact with other sufferers.
Maybe they already do that but you came across with your thread intelligently and clear.
Try to put some of the quality you have in writing into your meetings with other people.
There are a lot of people who are very quiet who get a long with 'ordinary folk' if i can phrase it that way and there is people out there who can help you mix in.
Try to find work through the disability office who will put you in contact with your local jobcentre who are there to help your needs in finding employment.
Disabled people are and rightly so no longer discriminated when applying for jobs and you should not be unemployed because of it.

Hi Rich,
Perhaps you know already, but there is a social group for people with Aspergers syndrome, based here in Sheffield.
It is run by Nicki Thomas, who can be contacted on 0114 276 7757.
I hope this is useful!

Regards, John.

Hello Rich

I have a son diagnosed with ASD and am completely amazed at the lack of any support/services/help/advice we have received. Apart from a useful workshop at Rygate on behaviour there is very little help in school. I applied for a place at a playscheme for him (Snips) and the application form was like an exam sheet. That was three months ago - no reply.
It seems there are two ASD specialists for the whole of Sheffield - it's just not enough.

My son had several years of visits to child psychologists for mild behavioural problems and was thought to have Aspergers. Eventually we were told that he didn't have it, but did have some indicators. No real support during that time or since.

Interestingly enough, a lady has recently started work in our section who we have been told has Aspergers, and I believe that she has a support worker. Not sure where the support is from or how she got it, but I'll try and find out.

Have you spoken to your doctor about things. He should be able to give you some advice on possible local support services, although many are not clued up on the condition.

Best of luck.

Originally posted by John Moore
Hi Rich,
Perhaps you know already, but there is a social group for people with Aspergers syndrome, based here in Sheffield.
It is run by Nicki Thomas, who can be contacted on 0114 276 7757.
I hope this is useful!

Regards, John.

Actually I've been going to Nicki's group meetings for a couple of years now.

Although I did stop going for a while until recently, but that was their fault cos they stopped letting me know when the meetings were happening, nowadays if I know there's one due I ring Nicki and find out when and where it's all going to be happening.

For example I know there's one coming up at t' end of October/beginning of November, a combination Karaoke night/Fancy Dress do with a Haloween theme.

Is the Fancy Dress thread still around from a couple of weeks back? Might have a look if there's any phone numbers for such Mr Ben's up Crookes, cos I'm after a costume for the do, and I dunno how far in advance you have to order the costumes before you need 'em.

Originally posted by The Cycleracer
Hi Rich

I don't know much about the condition myself but can Thorne house put you in contact with other sufferers.
Maybe they already do that but you came across with your thread intelligently and clear.
Try to put some of the quality you have in writing into your meetings with other people.
There are a lot of people who are very quiet who get a long with 'ordinary folk' if i can phrase it that way and there is people out there who can help you mix in.
Try to find work through the disability office who will put you in contact with your local jobcentre who are there to help your needs in finding employment.
Disabled people are and rightly so no longer discriminated when applying for jobs and you should not be unemployed because of it.

Ugh, job centre?! No way, I've been down that route before and without going into too much detail as talking about it gets me all worked up, it was totally NOT appropriate for someone such as myself.

Too much pressure, you have to be looking for work 24/7 and to go for a shelf stacking job down at the Co-op in Hillsborough knowing full well I was over-qualified for it due to having almost every computing certificate known to man and then some, only to be told that very thing by the gaffer, is very humiliating, but the trouble, is that although I have qualifications from College and stuff, I failed most of my GCSE subjects at School, and in this day and age, even the poxy 2 quid an hour office gopher jobs you see in the Star on a Thursday require at least a C in GCSE English AND Maths.

I've since re-sat English and passed it with an A, but because I don't have a certificate which says I can do Maths, they don't even want to know me, despite the fact that although admittedly my written maths isn't too hot, I can do mental arithmatics almost literally with my eyes shut.

That sucks doesn't it?

Anyway I'll stop ranting now...

Originally posted by Cycleracer
Hi Rich

I don't know much about the condition myself but can Thorne house put you in contact with other sufferers.
Maybe they already do that but you came across with your thread intelligently and clear.
Try to put some of the quality you have in writing into your meetings with other people.
There are a lot of people who are very quiet who get a long with 'ordinary folk' if i can phrase it that way and there is people out there who can help you mix in.
Try to find work through the disability office who will put you in contact with your local jobcentre who are there to help your needs in finding employment.
Disabled people are and rightly so no longer discriminated when applying for jobs and you should not be unemployed because of it.

Although I dont know much about ASD not being a sufferer I can say quite categorically that you've got the wrong end of the stick about available facilities for disabled people, very few if any suitable arrangements exist in Sheffield. There are limited advice centres, eg no DIAL and the Disabled Forum down on the Wicker has been closed down due to lack of COuncil and other resources. Furthermore Sheffield Council staff are totally abusive about people suffering speech impairment including a wide range of motor disorders eg MS, aphasia and other stroke victims etc, etc etc

You may not be aware that Sheffield Hallam Uni has recently launched an Autism Centre, based on the Collegiate Crescent site. It is primarily a research and teaching centre, but on its website you can find links to various groups and services specialising in autism.


http://www.shu.ac.uk/theautismcentre/index.html

Freeman College (http://www.qr8.co.uk/freeman/) has just opened in Sheffield providing further education for those aged between 16 and 25 who are unable to attend general further education college due to learning difficulties.

Originally posted by sheff_minx
Freeman College (http://www.qr8.co.uk/freeman/) has just opened in Sheffield providing further education for those aged between 16 and 25 who are unable to attend general further education college due to learning difficulties.

Thanks but being 29 I'm too old for that.

You could possibly try getting in touch with them though and see if there's anywhere similar for older people? Also its a useful resource for other forummers who may benefit. :)

Originally posted by sheff_minx
You could possibly try getting in touch with them though and see if there's anywhere similar for older people? Also its a useful resource for other forummers who may benefit. :)

I've emailed them requesting information, we shall see if they get back to me with anything.

Thanks for the link :)

We employ a chap who has asberges syndrome called Jason, he was placed in our employment by a company called bridge employment who specialise in placing people with disabilities. They give us and him all the support we ask for, maybe they would be worth giving a call?

Pete

www.Very-PC.co.uk

Originally posted by Pete1024
We employ a chap who has asberges syndrome called Jason, he was placed in our employment by a company called bridge employment who specialise in placing people with disabilities. They give us and him all the support we ask for, maybe they would be worth giving a call?

Pete

www.Very-PC.co.uk

Yeah I've got an application form for Bridge Employment, but unfortunately I never get round to actually filling it in and sending it off.

I should do really as getting a job is one of my life's dreams, along with marrying Holly Valance that used to be in Neighbours and getting her to have my kids :love:

Originally posted by Rich
Thanks but being 29 I'm too old for that.

Ditto - 26 in December...

Originally posted by Rich
Back in 1999 when I was 23, I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of Autism, which means that amongst other issues I have very limited social skills, my personal skills are not what they could be, and I am also unemployed as a result.


Would anyone like to comment on this?


I'd like to make a comment on it please.

I have heard of Asperger's syndrome but have never understood.
Could you, if thats not too cheeky, elaborate on the subject ?

It will probably interest you to look into Ruskin Mill Educational Trust who have just opened their third college "Freeman College" here in Sheffield.

Here is the link

http://www.qr8.co.uk/freeman/

Originally posted by Rich
Yeah I've got an application form for Bridge Employment, but unfortunately I never get round to actually filling it in and sending it off.

I should do really as getting a job is one of my life's dreams, along with marrying Holly Valance that used to be in Neighbours and getting her to have my kids :love:

Rich I wasn't aware you had aspergers. We have some common ground in a round about way. Are you interested making friends with other adults with aspergers?

Originally posted by sheff_minx
You could possibly try getting in touch with them though and see if there's anywhere similar for older people? Also its a useful resource for other forummers who may benefit. :)

there isn't anything for people over 25 with Freeman College at this point in time. They are just getting established. I think they may have plans to make some of their curriculum activities available to people over 25 at some point though.

Originally posted by Rich
I've emailed them requesting information, we shall see if they get back to me with anything.

Thanks for the link :)

Rich PM me your details and I will get you some info sent out.

*** Shameless plug alert ***

A good friend of mine has Aspergers syndrome so I know a reasonable amount about the condition. Her name is Nita Jackson and she wrote a book on her experiences as an Aspergers sufferer entitled "Standing Down...Falling Up". It was published in 2002 on Lucky Duck Publishing.

In all seriousness though, if you're interested in learning more about Aspergers syndrome it's worth reading because she's been brutally honest about it throughout the whole book.

:)

Did anyone see the Magnificent 7 programme about Luke Jackson's family that was on BBC 2 Tuesday night? If anyone missed it and wants to borrow it I've burned it to a DVD, simply PM me with your snail mail address and I'll send you the DVD.

i watched it ! and thought it was good to see that people who are special should be celebrated for who they are.

what a terrible world this would be if we were all the same:)

Asperger's syndrome is commonly known as the "more able" end of Autism, this I think is rather an unfair assumption as people with this illness really want to be like other people and strive to do so, but leave themselves open to failure over and over again,and unlike Autism, that we understand live in a world of their own( that is not my opinion) A/S know they are differant,and are often misunderstood, tormented,and bullied whilst trying to form relationships either in employment or just personal relationships,and not all by any means are as able as Rich, some also have a learning disability, which makes them even more vulnerable as they are inclined to trust people and don't realise that people could, and often are, out to extract the Michael. I totally agree that Sheffield has very little to offer to people with A/S either educationally, or personally.
I don't think that Sheffield is on it's own regarding facilities for A/S, this is more the norm,but you'd think that in this day and age, something could be found for them and not have to rely on Nicki's volentary group, which I'm not sure if that's still running anyway.

I recemtly enquired about some sort of group for adult Asperges Syndrome sufferers, but was told there as far as she knew there was nothing. I also enquired a few years ago about help from Thorne House and was told it would cost £12 an hr.
So my son and I have struggled though with no help from anybody, in fact with an awful lot of hinderance from so called normal people.

hazel

Hazel, it seems these days that if you require any services for A/S and other illnesses, that social services access the client and allocate a number of hours that they decide the client needs, and with these hours the client "employs" any services that they feel would be of benifit to them, in theory this takes the responsibility away from social services as the client chooses what services they want.The service is called Direct payments, and there are company's in Sheffield who will take most of the paperwork from the client. It mat sound bizarre, but if they employ a personnel assistant,it may be that the P/A takes the client to the cinema or the pub,which the client pays for out of their own pocket, but the P/A is paid to take them, by the social services.

Originally posted by hazel
I recemtly enquired about some sort of group for adult Asperges Syndrome sufferers, but was told there as far as she knew there was nothing. I also enquired a few years ago about help from Thorne House and was told it would cost £12 an hr.
So my son and I have struggled though with no help from anybody, in fact with an awful lot of hinderance from so called normal people.

hazel

£12 an hour from Thorne? Who told you that?! I probably know them.

Luckily my time with Thorne gets paid for by the socials... Although they did try and scam some money off me a while back, but Thorne blocked it by saying the socials didn't tell me about having to pay.

My son had services from Thorne House a few years ago, in fact he was the very first domiciliary client they ever had and our payment was £9 a week, he had Glynn for about 18 months, that obviously wasn't the total payment, but what the social services paid was privy only to them.

Originally posted by Applegrim
My son had services from Thorne House a few years ago, in fact he was the very first domiciliary client they ever had and our payment was £9 a week, he had Glynn for about 18 months, that obviously wasn't the total payment, but what the social services paid was privy only to them.

What's your son's name? It's possible I might know him as I've been with Thorne nearly 5 years.

Yes Rich you do know my son, but It's me thats posting not him, like I said not everyone who has A/S has your ability, but at a guess I'd say it's about seven or eight years since he had the services from Thorne house,

Originally posted by Rich
£12 an hour from Thorne? Who told you that?! I probably know them.

Luckily my time with Thorne gets paid for by the socials... Although they did try and scam some money off me a while back, but Thorne blocked it by saying the socials didn't tell me about having to pay.

His social worker told me this about 3 yrs ago Rich, which would have taken up all his allowance so we declined. Like you he is capable of most things but in his case he lacks social skills and recognising friends from foes. He never knows either whether he has given the right replies. but he can quote something I said from 20 yrs back word perfect.
I saw the tV programe on the jacksons and the A/S boy was spot on my son.

hazel

I think he must have been assessed by his social woker and a professor at NGH. because they said we had done all that could be done.
It probably was a help, that he was not diagnosed until age 38 although I didn't think this at the time, but it meant he had to make his way though ordinary school as best we could, a nightmare at the time but perhaps helped him later. He certainly had to learn to fight back.

hazel

I wonder if this might be of some interest to Rich (and others). I came across this organisation called Prospects, says it supports people with Autism/aspergers into employment? Might be worth having a look.

www.autism.org.uk/prospects/sheffield

Hi I am currently involved with a support group for parents of children with special needs including ADDH and AS it is called ray of hope we meet up monthly at hillsboro all are welcome if anyone would like more details please e mail me.

Originally posted by Macbeth
I wonder if this might be of some interest to Rich (and others). I came across this organisation called Prospects, says it supports people with Autism/aspergers into employment? Might be worth having a look.

www.autism.org.uk/prospects/sheffield

I had an interview with Prospects 2 years ago, and it was a disaster, the interview went fine till they lowered the boom that getting a job via them meant getting back involved with the Muppets down at the job centre, and there's absolutely no way in hell I'm going down THAT road again after last time :rant:

I had an interview with Prospects 2 years ago, and it was a disaster, the interview went fine till they lowered the boom that getting a job via them meant getting back involved with the Muppets down at the job centre, and there's absolutely no way in hell I'm going down THAT road again after last time :rant:
Just found this and in all those years nothing much has changed in the way of support services.

Rich - I hope you don't think I've hijacking your thread - please forgive me if you do!

It's very evident that Aspergers people are talented in certain areas, sometimes way above the norm (a friend's daughter has Aspergers, she's uncannily good at maths and science but not so hot on people-skills so I do have a little personal knowledge of the issues faced) so....

....is it possible to put together a portfolio of 'things that we're good at' (yes, you'd need to get together with other Aspergers people) and work out between you (maybe with some outside help) the package that you could offer employers?

What I mean is....Could you as a group offer an IT support service for example? Shielded from interaction with those needing help via your manager, but able to be just as (if not more than!) effective as run-of-the-mill support people?

You could all stay behind the scenes but be gainfully employed on proper wages, and very appreciated for the technical skills you could bring. What do you think? Is this something worth pursuing with one of the agencies (or even eg the Princes Trust!)?

Actually I've done the Prince's Trust about 10 years ago, don't get me wrong I enjoyed it, but part of the course, was to go all the way down to Essex, to the Winged Fellowship, to look after a group of people who were even more severely disabled than I am, in most cases to a point where it was a 2 hour task just for something as basic as bathing and dressing in a morning, I stuck it for 2 days till I was literally crying on the phone to my Dad to come and pick me up to go home it was THAT tiring and stressful.

And like nearly every other "course" I've been on over the years, I was the eldest there, well in this case second eldest.

And I've also tried all the Agencies, they just mess me about, they say "Oh yeah we've got something for you, we'll ring you later in the week for an interview", 5 days later no phone call, I chase it up, they deny all knowledge of making the initial phone call in the flippin' first place! :rant:

On a similar note, someone I know is part of a group for people with Autism/Asperger's and many of them are struggling to find work despite being very skilled people in some aspects (see SHSheff's post) - the main agency that exists to help them find employment seems to recommend rubbish jobs that they are mainly too skilled for; but many of them are unconfident about applying for jobs because they fear people will not want to employ someone with autism/AS.

My friend is also trying to train and get some qualifications but it is hard to continue with studies because of the financial implications and the lack of agencies supporting people to train at anything other than a basic level.

Does anyone know of any schemes/charities, either locally or nationally, that can help people with autistic/AS in getting decent training and employment that meets their needs? If there isn't, maybe we should all band together (those with the conditions and their friends/family/advocates) and make a noise about it to someone...?

Actually I've done the Prince's Trust about 10 years ago, don't get me wrong I enjoyed it, but part of the course,

No, that's not what I meant! I wasn't talking about you doing a course, but about you (with others) setting up your own 'consultancy' business!

According to the Princes Trust website http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/Main%20Site%20v2/14-30%20and%20need%20help.asp
"Unemployed, unexcited and unsure of your future?
Our Team Programme could get your confidence up, and give you work skills and experience.

Need money to move forward?
If you're trying to get into a job, training or education, but need money, see if you're eligible for a Development Award

Got a plan for a project in your community?
We can help find the money to make it happen

Got a head for business?
We've got ways to support you. If you're eligible, you could get a low-interest loan, regular help from a business mentor and more. Read about our support for start-ups"

If my memory serves correctly, Airy Fairy on London Road was set up with the assistance of the Princes Trust. It's for people aged 14 - 30, so you're still eligible, Rich.

As I suggested in my previous post, why don't you get together with a few other Aspergers people who share your IT skills, and see (maybe with a non-Aspergers person as your spokesperson) if you can get a consultancy business off the ground?

No, that's not what I meant! I wasn't talking about you doing a course, but about you (with others) setting up your own 'consultancy' business!

According to the Princes Trust website http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/Main%20Site%20v2/14-30%20and%20need%20help.asp
"Unemployed, unexcited and unsure of your future?
Our Team Programme could get your confidence up, and give you work skills and experience.

Need money to move forward?
If you're trying to get into a job, training or education, but need money, see if you're eligible for a Development Award

Got a plan for a project in your community?
We can help find the money to make it happen

Got a head for business?
We've got ways to support you. If you're eligible, you could get a low-interest loan, regular help from a business mentor and more. Read about our support for start-ups"

If my memory serves correctly, Airy Fairy on London Road was set up with the assistance of the Princes Trust. It's for people aged 14 - 30, so you're still eligible, Rich.

As I suggested in my previous post, why don't you get together with a few other Aspergers people who share your IT skills, and see (maybe with a non-Aspergers person as your spokesperson) if you can get a consultancy business off the ground?

I probably sound like I'm making excuses to not work, but I'm 32, so I'm too old for that.

Nice idea though, and if I could work out the practicalities of it, such as premises (I'm not allowed to use the Flat as Business premises) I'd willingly go for it.

If there isn't, maybe we should all band together (those with the conditions and their friends/family/advocates) and make a noise about it to someone...?

Exactly! :)

And I'm sure there are other agencies out there, quite apart from the Princes Trust (I only thought of them after reading one of the menus in Airy Fairy the other day) who would be only too pleased to throw money and support at such a community-minded, business-focused opportunity!

No time to read the whole thread and you probably already know that Digby Tantam has involvement with ASD http://www.dilemmaconsultancy.org/

I only know about it from looking at his website but they may have info on other resources that are out there locally.

I can support people with aspergers . i can offer help advice and guidance to get the right help to get paid work.
There may be some way to get funding for people who want to get in to self employment. I offer a free initial consultation
thanks

Exactly! :)

And I'm sure there are other agencies out there, quite apart from the Princes Trust (I only thought of them after reading one of the menus in Airy Fairy the other day) who would be only too pleased to throw money and support at such a community-minded, business-focused opportunity!

You just would not believe it .How hard should it be but there is unfortunately a chronic funding crisis here in Sheffield and jobs have been cut in the voluntary sector. there is just no money there at the moment.

I am meeting with Richard caborn next week See my other thread about signing my petition. Please sign up if you can
Thanks

No time to read the whole thread and you probably already know that Digby Tantam has involvement with ASD http://www.dilemmaconsultancy.org/

I only know about it from looking at his website but they may have info on other resources that are out there locally.

Yeah Digby Tantram as I used to call him is based at St George's Hospital.

Iirc I only ever met him the once though, way back when I was first diagnosed.

Yeah Digby Tantram as I used to call him is based at St George's Hospital.

Iirc I only ever met him the once though, way back when I was first diagnosed.

He was at the aspergers conference. He gave me my diagnosis

Its great to see that this thread has not been moved to the disability section. Maybe some others will see it now.

And surprisingly it was the first thread I ever wrote nearly 5 years ago, I found this forum in the first place from Googling autism services in Sheffield, and the sheer fact I told Google to look for Sheffield brought me here, and I've been hooked (and banned loads) to this day.

And surprisingly it was the first thread I ever wrote nearly 5 years ago, I found this forum in the first place from Googling autism services in Sheffield, and the sheer fact I told Google to look for Sheffield brought me here, and I've been hooked (and banned loads) to this day.
Yes. you have been on here a while then.
It can get a bit addictive.

I probably sound like I'm making excuses to not work, but I'm 32, so I'm too old for that.

Nice idea though, and if I could work out the practicalities of it, such as premises (I'm not allowed to use the Flat as Business premises) I'd willingly go for it.

Would you need to use your flat as premises? I think not? So, you're too old personally for the Princes Trust. Could you set the scheme up, Rich, helping someone you know with Aspergers?

I'm not proposing that you use premises as such, certainly not your own home. Just, get together a group of people with Aspergers who have skills to offer, and band together to form a united group.

You'd then have an Association of people with which to approach various funding organisations.

Ok, then, Rich, I set you a challenge! Come to me with a group of fellow-Aspergers people who are all good at IT, and I will commit to finding you (as best I can) a funding organisation who will fund you to getting proper, full-time employment.

Will you accept this challenge? I can't promise that I will find you a job, but I will promise to publically post the approaches that I have made to that end.

What do you reckon? :)

Would you need to use your flat as premises? I think not? So, you're too old personally for the Princes Trust. Could you set the scheme up, Rich, helping someone you know with Aspergers?

I'm not proposing that you use premises as such, certainly not your own home. Just, get together a group of people with Aspergers who have skills to offer, and band together to form a united group.

You'd then have an Association of people with which to approach various funding organisations.

Ok, then, Rich, I set you a challenge! Come to me with a group of fellow-Aspergers people who are all good at IT, and I will commit to finding you (as best I can) a funding organisation who will fund you to getting proper, full-time employment.

Will you accept this challenge? I can't promise that I will find you a job, but I will promise to publically post the approaches that I have made to that end.

What do you reckon? :)
I have already offered to do this, but I dont think he wants to do it otherwise he would have done so already.There are 2 organisations who offer support. Bridge employment and Autism Plus. Rich has been involved with both already.

Would you need to use your flat as premises? I think not? So, you're too old personally for the Princes Trust. Could you set the scheme up, Rich, helping someone you know with Aspergers?

I'm not proposing that you use premises as such, certainly not your own home. Just, get together a group of people with Aspergers who have skills to offer, and band together to form a united group.

You'd then have an Association of people with which to approach various funding organisations.

Ok, then, Rich, I set you a challenge! Come to me with a group of fellow-Aspergers people who are all good at IT, and I will commit to finding you (as best I can) a funding organisation who will fund you to getting proper, full-time employment.

Will you accept this challenge? I can't promise that I will find you a job, but I will promise to publically post the approaches that I have made to that end.

What do you reckon? :)
Forming a group for anyone with AS is not the best idea seeing that a lot of us are not good in group situations.

To make a Business work, you have to put lots of hours and energy into it, and it's also dealing with clients etc over the phone that I'd have a problem with, and nothing drives me mad more than people who say they'll ring you and then I have to ring THEM to chase whatever up when 5 days later they haven't rung me.

I have already offered to do this, but I dont think he wants to do it otherwise he would have done so already.There are 2 organisations who offer support. Bridge employment and Autism Plus. Rich has been involved with both already.

Ok, Rich has often said how much he wishes he could get a job. I accept he has Aspergers. My challenge to him is that if he chooses to get together with other Aspergers people with similar talents to his own (accepting that they have issues with people-skills) I will publically do my best to find them a job.

It's his call.

I await his response! I can't promise miracles; what I can promise is that I will take up his offer of a group of Aspergers people with skills to offer, and find them a contract.

If I can't, I will publically post the attempts I have made.

Forming a group for anyone with AS is not the best idea seeing that a lot of us are not good in group situations.

Ok. So, is there a solution? Do AS people always have to operate as individuals, with a single spokesperson? No chance of any group thing? Only asking... :)

To make a Business work, you have to put lots of hours and energy into it, and it's also dealing with clients etc over the phone that I'd have a problem with, and nothing drives me mad more than people who say they'll ring you and then I have to ring THEM to chase whatever up when 5 days later they haven't rung me.
This happens to me all the time Rich.It is very frustrating but it is just the way it is.
there is a job there somewhere for you and you may find that soon the Govt will put some support in to understanding what it is that we all need.

I understand of course about how hard it is for you to be flexible and that is why so many with our condition do not work. Only 12% of us have jobs.
Of course I am on a mission to change this but it will take time

To make a Business work, you have to put lots of hours and energy into it, and it's also dealing with clients etc over the phone that I'd have a problem with, and nothing drives me mad more than people who say they'll ring you and then I have to ring THEM to chase whatever up when 5 days later they haven't rung me.


Hence my suggesting that you have an intermediate person who could act on your behalf. You'd only have to do the tech stuff, in my Ideal World scenario!

Ok. So, is there a solution? Do AS people always have to operate as individuals, with a single spokesperson? No chance of any group thing? Only asking... :)
We spend our lives as individuals though I do personally have a part neurotypical family that is dysfunctional some of the time as all are I guess, but group situations are the hardest thing for us.

It is complcated That is why i have set up this company to raise awareness.

OK - I have the feeling that I'm meeting with opposition.

Let's turn it all around:

What support or help would AS people WANT or NEED in order to gain full employment?

:)

(PS, please don't waste space by talking about previous bad experiences. Let's just move on!)

OK - I have the feeling that I'm meeting with opposition.

Let's turn it all around:

What support or help would AS people WANT or NEED in order to gain full employment?

:)

(PS, please don't waste space by talking about previous bad experiences. Let's just move on!)
I dont have bad experiences with emplyoment as i personally have always worked.

Right
A job analysis will need to be done to get the right job. if it doesnt fit the person then it just wont work.the employer needs to be prepared to make a reasonable adjustment and then be very patient. They will often need training intensively, partic with social situations and then long term monitoring. that is in a nutshell but I dont have all night to explain.

It is complcated That is why i have set up this company to raise awareness.

Which employers have you approached? What skills are you highlighting? Which Agencies have you contacted?

I'm just interested because it seems to me that AS people have many skills to offer to the employment field, yet they seem to be beaten even before they start by the fear of prejudice! I would love to see some evidence that Rich and other people he knows have been actively turned down by empoyers who have had the opportunity to see exactly what they can bring to the organisation.

Somehow I fear that it's too easy to hide behind a 'woe is me' mentality.

I will gladly be proven wrong!

Which employers have you approached? What skills are you highlighting? Which Agencies have you contacted?

I'm just interested because it seems to me that AS people have many skills to offer to the employment field, yet they seem to be beaten even before they start by the fear of prejudice! I would love to see some evidence that Rich and other people he knows have been actively turned down by empoyers who have had the opportunity to see exactly what they can bring to the organisation.

Somehow I fear that it's too easy to hide behind a 'woe is me' mentality.

I will gladly be proven wrong!
I used to work for a aforementioned company and i have supported people with AS to get work. You really dont know how hard it is .We struggle with the same old things to get employers to change their perceptions. i know of someone who has a degree, aged about 27 and has never had a job as when he explains he has AS , he is not considered as employers just do not understand what the benefits of employing someone with As are

Which employers have you approached? What skills are you highlighting? Which Agencies have you contacted?

I'm just interested because it seems to me that AS people have many skills to offer to the employment field, yet they seem to be beaten even before they start by the fear of prejudice! I would love to see some evidence that Rich and other people he knows have been actively turned down by empoyers who have had the opportunity to see exactly what they can bring to the organisation.

Somehow I fear that it's too easy to hide behind a 'woe is me' mentality.

I will gladly be proven wrong!
It is not a fear of prejudice, it is a complete lack of awareness on the part of employers, GPs, teachers etc, etc,ect....in otherwords, the N/T population.

if it doesnt fit the person then it just wont work.the employer needs to be prepared to make a reasonable adjustment and then be very patient. They will often need training intensively, partic with social situations and then long term monitoring. that is in a nutshell but I dont have all night to explain.

Hence my suggesting that Rich and fellow Aspergers people can band together (and, if you like, be banded together) so as to present a united front as a collective of IT specialists (or whatever).

As I said before, if a person-skilled manager is required, then sobeit.

I just find it hard to believe that people with the skills that Rich evidently has, has 'no value' to society, if marketed properly! What on earth is he doing, at aged 32, having to live on Benefits, when he clearly has such skills to offer to society? It's a crime! - and one that I personally will do my best to address :) For Rich's sake, if non other.

Hence my suggesting that Rich and fellow Aspergers people can band together (and, if you like, be banded together) so as to present a united front as a collective of IT specialists (or whatever).

As I said before, if a person-skilled manager is required, then sobeit.

I just find it hard to believe that people with the skills that Rich evidently has, has 'no value' to society, if marketed properly! What on earth is he doing, at aged 32, having to live on Benefits, when he clearly has such skills to offer to society? It's a crime! - and one that I personally will do my best to address :)
Join forces then with us at the autism alliance

Join forces then with us at the autism alliance

I'd love to! But first, I'd like to see some commitment from Rich on here. :)

If he takes me up on my challenge, I'll gladly uphold my side of it.

I'd willingly commit, it's the whole group thing that puts me off, I work better alone.

I'd willingly commit, it's the whole group thing that puts me off, I work better alone.
Contact me if you want to get in to self employment. we may be able to apply for funding for it.

I'd willingly commit, it's the whole group thing that puts me off, I work better alone.

Ok so, paint me a scenario in which you could work?

Or, in other words, give me an example of a situation where you think you could work and earn money?

Ok so, paint me a scenario in which you could work?

Or, in other words, give me an example of a situation where you think you could work and earn money?

Freelance web site design.

As long as I could generate enough money to hire a graphic artist because I have HTML skills, but I'm not very good at doing graphics.

Have you tried to get any work doing web design Rich?

Re: autistic/asperger's people working together, if it was something like SHSheff suggested I could see it working if they each had their individual projects to get on with, but the difficulty would probably be the cohesion of it and the management/client interface side. Maybe if some non-autistic people took on that role.

I think it's a laudable idea. How practical I'm not sure.

Have you tried to get any work doing web design Rich?

Re: autistic/asperger's people working together, if it was something like SHSheff suggested I could see it working if they each had their individual projects to get on with, but the difficulty would probably be the cohesion of it and the management/client interface side. Maybe if some non-autistic people took on that role.

I think it's a laudable idea. How practical I'm not sure.

Yes, about 2 years ago I worked for Sanman from here at the Lower Stannington Community Forum doing computer admin work, they asked me about doing them a web site as they didn't have one at the time, I said yeah OK, then they went and had one done professionally instead, which was admittedly better than anything I could've created but still...

The same thing happened about 3 years previous when I was working for the Friends of the General Cemetery, I offered to do them a web site, they had one done proffessionally.

I officially give up.

Good to see a thread about autism and Aspergers; I myself have aspergers and I've struggled to get help, but there are a lot of organisations around now, such as Jobsteps, Remploy, etc...

And surprisingly it was the first thread I ever wrote nearly 5 years ago, I found this forum in the first place from Googling autism services in Sheffield, and the sheer fact I told Google to look for Sheffield brought me here, and I've been hooked (and banned loads) to this day.

If you're not getting banned from time to time, then you have to ask why not. Only the bland and uninteresting never get banned :thumbsup:

Yes, about 2 years ago I worked for Sanman from here at the Lower Stannington Community Forum doing computer admin work, they asked me about doing them a web site as they didn't have one at the time, I said yeah OK, then they went and had one done professionally instead, which was admittedly better than anything I could've created but still...

The same thing happened about 3 years previous when I was working for the Friends of the General Cemetery, I offered to do them a web site, they had one done proffessionally.

I officially give up.
But Rich. You cannot give up. we are all trying to help you here. If you are serious about self employment and in the past have been passed over due to not having enough experience, then you need to get the experience.

If you contact BIG on council website, they can help cement your ideas and as i said before, there may be a way they can approve support for you, with some final assistance to get started.
I do feel that as it is so hard for people with AS to get in to employment, that self employment is the answer.
Why do you think I am self employed(and employed).
I know it is hard to make the first move, but you will still be on here in another year saying the same things if you do not take that chance.

If you're not getting banned from time to time, then you have to ask why not. Only the bland and uninteresting never get banned :thumbsup:



ahhhem!!! I do not have a ban!:suspect:

Good to see a thread about autism and Aspergers; I myself have aspergers and I've struggled to get help, but there are a lot of organisations around now, such as Jobsteps, Remploy, etc...

Just out of interest, do you have a job? Are you self employed?

Have you tried to get any work doing web design Rich?

Re: autistic/asperger's people working together, if it was something like SHSheff suggested I could see it working if they each had their individual projects to get on with, but the difficulty would probably be the cohesion of it and the management/client interface side. Maybe if some non-autistic people took on that role.

I think it's a laudable idea. How practical I'm not sure.
Its very practical.Rich just needs to make the leap

Can I just say that as my petition has been moved to the disability section, please can you sign the petition to Richard Caborn.
We do appreciate it

Thanks

Have you tried to get any work doing web design Rich?

Re: autistic/asperger's people working together, if it was something like SHSheff suggested I could see it working if they each had their individual projects to get on with, but the difficulty would probably be the cohesion of it and the management/client interface side. Maybe if some non-autistic people took on that role.

I think it's a laudable idea. How practical I'm not sure.
My daughter has AS so does my ex husband and I have a number of friends with kids with AS so I have a fair understanding of the barriers people face. I would be quite happy to help out in some way in this aspect. I have tried to set up a business myself in Genealogy and know how difficult it is even without AS so it's important people are given the right support.

My daughter has AS so does my ex husband and I have a number of friends with kids with AS so I have a fair understanding of the barriers people face. I would be quite happy to help out in some way in this aspect. I have tried to set up a business myself in Genealogy and know how difficult it is even without AS so it's important people are given the right support.
Did you manage to get some work with your business?

Did you manage to get some work with your business?
Bits and bobs but not enough to make it into a viable part time business.

Freeman College (http://www.qr8.co.uk/freeman/) has just opened in Sheffield providing further education for those aged between 16 and 25 who are unable to attend general further education college due to learning difficulties.

He doesn't have a learning difficulty, but a communication disorder.

Would you need to use your flat as premises? I think not? So, you're too old personally for the Princes Trust. Could you set the scheme up, Rich, helping someone you know with Aspergers?

I'm not proposing that you use premises as such, certainly not your own home. Just, get together a group of people with Aspergers who have skills to offer, and band together to form a united group.

You'd then have an Association of people with which to approach various funding organisations.
Sheffield City Council offers grants for this type of activity. I think it's called the Small Grants Fund or something like that and there's info on SCC website.

Which employers have you approached? What skills are you highlighting? Which Agencies have you contacted?

I'm just interested because it seems to me that AS people have many skills to offer to the employment field, yet they seem to be beaten even before they start by the fear of prejudice! I would love to see some evidence that Rich and other people he knows have been actively turned down by empoyers who have had the opportunity to see exactly what they can bring to the organisation.

Somehow I fear that it's too easy to hide behind a 'woe is me' mentality.

I will gladly be proven wrong!My better half worked in IT and he would say that there were many people there who had characteristics on the Aspberger spectrum, they had just never been formally diagnosed.

My better half worked in IT and he would say that there were many people there who had characteristics on the Aspberger spectrum, they had just never been formally diagnosed.

And I suspect that that's very true! (Not doubting your word either, RP).

Back to Rich, who said that he's not too hot on graphic design but would (by implication) be happy to hook up with a designer who wasn't too good at the HTML side of things.

So, I wonder if there's a possibility for one of the support groups for people with AS to approach one of the universities, to see if there's an opportunity for AS people (such as Rich) to hook up with someone who's a whizz at design, but inept at HTML?

My fear would be that, in my albeit limited experience, people following a graphic design course are also strong in web design, which probably means that they're good at providing the overall package.

So, that brings us back to: what are the skills that AS people offer?

Rich obviously feels strongly that he has marketable skills that aren't being recognised by employers.

Can anyone see a way to 'cherry pick' Rich's strengths, to turn them into a marketable package? Obviously, he'd need an intermediate person to do the person-skill stuff, but if his skills are as good as he says they are, isn't it a waste of potential to not utilise them?

I don't have an answer (not my field, sadly, tho I'd give input if it would help) but can any of you (including Rich, his parents and his support network) think of a solution?

It seems almost a crime for Rich to remain on benefits, doing voluntary work, when he so clearly yearns for a 'proper job'. If I can contribute in a tiny way to finding Rich gainful employment, I'd be a happy bunny! :)

And I suspect that that's very true! (Not doubting your word either, RP).

Back to Rich, who said that he's not too hot on graphic design but would (by implication) be happy to hook up with a designer who wasn't too good at the HTML side of things.

So, I wonder if there's a possibility for one of the support groups for people with AS to approach one of the universities, to see if there's an opportunity for AS people (such as Rich) to hook up with someone who's a whizz at design, but inept at HTML?

My fear would be that, in my albeit limited experience, people following a graphic design course are also strong in web design, which probably means that they're good at providing the overall package.

So, that brings us back to: what are the skills that AS people offer?

Rich obviously feels strongly that he has marketable skills that aren't being recognised by employers.

Can anyone see a way to 'cherry pick' Rich's strengths, to turn them into a marketable package? Obviously, he'd need an intermediate person to do the person-skill stuff, but if his skills are as good as he says they are, isn't it a waste of potential to not utilise them?

I don't have an answer (not my field, sadly, tho I'd give input if it would help) but can any of you (including Rich, his parents and his support network) think of a solution?

It seems almost a crime for Rich to remain on benefits, doing voluntary work, when he so clearly yearns for a 'proper job'. If I can contribute in a tiny way to finding Rich gainful employment, I'd be a happy bunny! :)
As I have said, I can see a way to help Rich but he apperas not to want to go forward. It has to come from him.

I have just received a reply to an email that I sent to Paul Scriven re services in Sheffield for Aspergers.Interesting reading.

As I have said, I can see a way to help Rich but he apperas not to want to go forward. It has to come from him.

The problem is that I cannot be seen to be doing anything that could potentially risk my benefits, as if I lose benefits, I lose the Flat, unless I earn enough to pay £360 a month rent, which I seriously doubt I would with the limited hours I could put in.

The problem is that I cannot be seen to be doing anything that could potentially risk my benefits, as if I lose benefits, I lose the Flat, unless I earn enough to pay £360 a month rent, which I seriously doubt I would with the limited hours I could put in.

Rich, that absolute cobblers.

For a start there's extra money for people who have been on long-term Incap to get back to work (which lasts for a year so long as you're still in employment), and for second, you can work and claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit (possibly), all sorts.

I know that you will have difficulty in doing full-time work, and the sorts of things you can realistically do are limited, but to put your current level of benefits as a barrier to work is crap. You could have a "Better Off Calculation" done in any case by a CAB or DEA before you took a job, to see what extra help you could still receive.

As others have said, you've got to make that first step, mate.

That's easy to say but the reality is different.The problem is if you just earn over the benefit level 0n 16 hours per week and you are classed as a single person ( I have a daughter but she lives with her father the majority of the time so can't claim working tax/ child tax) then all the extra money you earn higher than benefit level is taken off you in housing and council tax. Some insane person believes you can live off £60 per week. That's all well and good if you are young and live at home with your parents but anyone with bills to pay is stuffed. They did me a better off calculation which came out as £9.00. My bus fares to work come to more than that so I'm worse off but I'd rather work- it's a matter of pride with me.

That's easy to say but the reality is different.The problem is if you just earn over the benefit level 0n 16 hours per week and you are classed as a single person ( I have a daughter but she lives with her father the majority of the time so can't claim working tax/ child tax) then all the extra money you earn higher than benefit level is taken off you in housing and council tax. Some insane person believes you can live off £60 per week. That's all well and good if you are young and live at home with your parents but anyone with bills to pay is stuffed. They did me a better off calculation which came out as £9.00. My bus fares to work come to more than that so I'm worse off but I'd rather work- it's a matter of pride with me.

I've worked in this area for years and years, and his circumstances are vastly different from yours. Believe me, he wouldn't be worse off, and if things go mammaries up, he'd still receive help in any case.

No, Rich is right to be very cautious, it is entirely possible to take work and end up financially worse off, which, in some cases=losing your home.

I, after many years unemployment, eventually succeeded in escaping the benfits system and went into self-employment- but it was hard and, most of the difficulty was directly due to the beneft system itself.

I was in situations where, due to declaring money, I ended up considerably worse-off: the most frustrating thing being that it was so difficult to get a straight answer out of the benefits dept as to how the earnings would affect benefits (especially with housing benefit whose reply was often 'do the work, declare it and then you'll find out how it affects HB).

Be extremely wary of jobcentre 'better-off' calculations- I had several which factored in full Working Tax Credit for me- when I double checked with the WTC people, they explained that I would actually only get 20% of the amount the jobcenter where using for their calcs.

ALWAYS get the better-off calc double checked by someone who knows what they're talking about.

No, Rich is right to be very cautious, it is entirely possible to take work and end up financially worse off, which, in some cases=losing your home.

I, after many years unemployment, eventually succeeded in escaping the benfits system and went into self-employment- but it was hard and, most of the difficulty was directly due to the beneft system itself.

I was in situations where, due to declaring money, I ended up considerably worse-off: the most frustrating thing being that it was so difficult to get a straight answer out of the benefits dept as to how the earnings would affect benefits (especially with housing benefit whose reply was often 'do the work, declare it and then you'll find out how it affects HB).

Be extremely wary of jobcentre 'better-off' calculations- I had several which factored in full Working Tax Credit for me- when I double checked with the WTC people, they explained that I would actually only get 20% of the amount the jobcenter where using for their calcs.

ALWAYS get the better-off calc double checked by someone who knows what they're talking about.

I'm not going to debate Rich's circumstances further (unless he does with me - they are his after all!), as I've got my opinion about them, and I've already stated as such.

I do agree that BOCs should be checked too, and if you noticed I gave two places/people who could do them.

Rich, the barriers you face to employment are faced by lots of people. I've had loads of knock backs in my time but it has just made me stronger.

The fact is we are all born somewhere on the autistic spectrum - some people are born more to the aspergers side. We are all different and have our own skills. Aspergers does not hold you back - if anything it should drive you forward, it is seen by some people as a gift.

What specialist support do you want to see? There are loads of free activities in Sheffield, loads of groups. If doesn't have to be a specialist aspergers group to have any benefit. Join a local club or volunteer with a local group, you will meet many people, some of whom may have similar issues and you can work together to help each other.

Rich, the barriers you face to employment are faced by lots of people. I've had loads of knock backs in my time but it has just made me stronger.

The fact is we are all born somewhere on the autistic spectrum - some people are born more to the aspergers side. We are all different and have our own skills. Aspergers does not hold you back - if anything it should drive you forward, it is seen by some people as a gift.

What specialist support do you want to see? There are loads of free activities in Sheffield, loads of groups. If doesn't have to be a specialist aspergers group to have any benefit. Join a local club or volunteer with a local group, you will meet many people, some of whom may have similar issues and you can work together to help each other.

This has to be one of the most patronising posts I've ever SEEN on here

Do you actually know ANYTHING whatsoever about Asperger's Sydrome and the extreme difficulties that are faced every day of their lives by its sufferers? It sounds to me like you are completely ignorant in this area, and so should stop insulting people whose problems in life you are clearly utterly ignorant of.

"We are all somewhere on the Autistic spectrum" - what a meaningless piece of crap, said by someone who must be missing the empathy gene.

That is like a slap in the face for people who struggle constantly with Asperger's in order to have any chance whatsoever of a halfway normal life.

StarSparkle

This has to be one of the most patronising posts I've ever SEEN on here

Do you actually know ANYTHING whatsoever about Asperger's Sydrome and the extreme difficulties that are faced every day of their lives by its sufferers? It sounds to me like you are completely ignorant in this area, and so should stop insulting people whose problems in life you are clearly utterly ignorant of.

"We are all somewhere on the Autistic spectrum" - what a meaningless piece of crap, said by someone who must be missing the empathy gene.

That is like a slap in the face for people who struggle constantly with Asperger's in order to have any chance whatsoever of a halfway normal life.

StarSparkle

Yes, I know a lot. More than you.

I am not insulting people. We are all different and bring different skills to the table. People with Apserger's have certain skills which many employers find an asset.

Yes life with Asperger's is a struggle, but life in general is a struggle. We all have our problems and we work hard to overcome them.

Yes, I know a lot. More than you.

I am not insulting people. We are all different and bring different skills to the table. People with Apserger's have certain skills which many employers find an asset.

Yes life with Asperger's is a struggle, but life in general is a struggle. We all have our problems and we work hard to overcome them.

It doesn't sound from your previous post like you know anything at all.

Life is a struggle to a degree for everyone - granted, but for some, including those with Asperger's, life is much more of a struggle than for most.

And you have absolutely no idea what I know about Asperger's.

StarSparkle

Starsparkle, I would ask that you respect other posters opinions please, it may well be that you both have equal, but different experiences of Aspergers. Thank you.

Rich, the barriers you face to employment are faced by lots of people. I've had loads of knock backs in my time but it has just made me stronger.

The fact is we are all born somewhere on the autistic spectrum - some people are born more to the aspergers side. We are all different and have our own skills. Aspergers does not hold you back - if anything it should drive you forward, it is seen by some people as a gift.

What specialist support do you want to see? There are loads of free activities in Sheffield, loads of groups. If doesn't have to be a specialist aspergers group to have any benefit. Join a local club or volunteer with a local group, you will meet many people, some of whom may have similar issues and you can work together to help each other.Do you not understand?
the very thing that neurotypical people suggest that we all do is join a group!!!!
The very thing that we all face difficulty with is group situations. you all really should read up on this, or all come to my training sessions!

Yes, about 2 years ago I worked for Sanman from here at the Lower Stannington Community Forum doing computer admin work, they asked me about doing them a web site as they didn't have one at the time, I said yeah OK, then they went and had one done professionally instead, which was admittedly better than anything I could've created but still...

The same thing happened about 3 years previous when I was working for the Friends of the General Cemetery, I offered to do them a web site, they had one done proffessionally.

I officially give up.

The thing you've got to ask yourself here Rich, is why was it better than anything you could have done? And then see if you can acquire the skills you need to make something as good if not better. Was it just the graphics, or was there something about the coding that was more advanced? If so, take it to pieces and see what they did.

The thing you've got to ask yourself here Rich, is why was it better than anything you could have done? And then see if you can acquire the skills you need to make something as good if not better. Was it just the graphics, or was there something about the coding that was more advanced? If so, take it to pieces and see what they did.

There are courses that can be done in graphics design to enable you to move on with this

\\\\\\\"We are all somewhere on the Autistic spectrum\\\\\\\" - what a meaningless piece of crap, said by someone who must be missing the empathy gene.However foul-mouthed your rection to that statement, it is true.

We all, though men to significantly a greater extent more than women, have autistic traits and it is widely accepted that more people have mild Aspergers than realise it.

Your attitude is dreadful.

However foul-mouthed your rection to that statement, it is true.

We all, though men to significantly a greater extent more than women, have autistic traits and it is widely accepted that more people have mild Aspergers than realise it.

Your attitude is dreadful.

Of course we all have some degree of those traits but people with Aspergers(mine is atypical) usually are above average intelligence.Men do not suffer more than women, they are usually more aggressive and tend to get a diagnosis more than women.Women often suffer in silence

However foul-mouthed your rection to that statement, it is true.

We all, though men to significantly a greater extent more than women, have autistic traits and it is widely accepted that more people have mild Aspergers than realise it.

Your attitude is dreadful.

You're the one with the attitude. I was angry at the poster's complete lack of knowledge of what they were talking about, and was very concerned that it could negatively influence others who have no knowledge of the condition.

I was being supportive of those with Asperger's, in reply to someone who clearly has very little if no understanding at all of the condition.

To say that 'everyone' is somewhere on the Autistic scale is to demean those who truly suffer from it, and the struggle they have every day of their lives to cope with it.

If you, Mr Meldrew, know someone with Asperger's and can see for yourself the difficulties that person faces in just trying to get on with their life, I cannot believe that you don't see how offensive it is to suggest that 'everyone' has some degree of Autism. That really is an insult, and I am truly surprised you don't seem to see that. You sound an intelligent man.

StarSparkle

You\'re the one with the attitude. I was angry at the poster\'s complete lack of knowledge of what they were talking about, and was very concerned that it could negatively influence others who have no knowledge of the condition.
I was being supportive of those with Asperger\'s, in reply to someone who clearly has very little if no understanding at all of the condition.
To say that \'everyone\' is somewhere on the Autistic scale is to demean those who truly suffer from it, and the struggle they have every day of their lives to cope with it.
If you, Mr Meldrew, know someone with Asperger\'s and can see for yourself the difficulties that person faces in just trying to get on with their life, I cannot believe that you don\'t see how offensive it is to suggest that \'everyone\' has some degree of Autism. That really is an insult, and I am truly surprised you don\'t seem to see that. You sound an intelligent man.
StarSparkleBut the statement remains correct, most if not all of us do have some degree of autistic traits, and it therefore should not attract so bitter a response.

As it happens I do know people with autism and aspergers, incuding a friend of 30 years, and my partner works with people in care whose AS varies from mild to very severe.

Saying to them that they are not mad, but merely have in greater evidence a condition that is to some lesser extent normal in us all should not be insulting, it should be encouraging.

Is there any chance that everyone can stop the points scoring of knowing more about AS than everyone else please?

It would be such a shame for the thread to degenerate into such a state that it had to be pulled. The chances are that we all know someone with AS, whether we are aware that they have it or not, so how about we stick to the thread topic discussing services, rather than arguing?

To say that 'everyone' is somewhere on the Autistic scale is to demean those who truly suffer from it.

StarSparkle

Everyone does show traits of autism, it could be a need for books to be in order. dvd's or cd's.
It could be the need for routine, like checking the door three times before leaving home.
It could be an vase having to be in a certain place and knowing when its been moved or a need to straighten a picture if its wonky with out been able to ignore it.
These are all traits.
We all have one or more of the above and then some.
I myself can not settle if there are bits on my carpet.....i see them and cant watch tv if i know they are there :)

AS Is more of a repetative behavior, like repeating lines from films or behavior pattens like the need for 4 coke a day and not been able to break that need.
I have noticed a forum user that has AS repeats *gets coat* or the need to talk about the daily mail readers.
While this can bother other people......he maybe can not break that cycle of posting due to repetative behavior that comes with AS?
Just a thought? and one that means no harm.

.Men do not suffer more than women,
I think what he was saying was males are more likely to get it then females as in men are 10 times more likely than women to have autism.


http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s942788.htm

:)

I think what he was saying was males are more likely to get it then females as in men are 10 times more likely than women to have autism.


http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s942788.htm

:)

This is completely out of date. It was in 2003.There are many more women now with As and as they do not create such a fuss about things as men do and often they are not quite as aggressive, then they tend to keep quiet and just put up with it.

Maybe someone can get the actual facts from somewhere . I will see what I can find. The number of women diagnosed is on the increase now.I know as in our Asperger Social Group last Saturday there was 6 of us and there was only Phil in the middle of us all.!!!

This is completely out of date. It was in 2003.There are many more women now with As and as they do not create such a fuss about things as men do and often they are not quite as aggressive, then they tend to keep quiet and just put up with it.

Maybe someone can get the actual facts from somewhere . I will see what I can find. The number of women diagnosed is on the increase now.I know as in our Asperger Social Group last Saturday there was 6 of us and there was only Phil in the middle of us all.!!!

I would be greatfull if you could look in to this for me .:)

Everyone does show traits of autism, it could be a need for books to be in order. dvd's or cd's.
It could be the need for routine, like checking the door three times before leaving home.
It could be an vase having to be in a certain place and knowing when its been moved or a need to straighten a picture if its wonky with out been able to ignore it.
These are all traits.
We all have one or more of the above and then some.
I myself can not settle if there are bits on my carpet.....i see them and cant watch tv if i know they are there :)

AS Is more of a repetative behavior, like repeating lines from films or behavior pattens like the need for 4 coke a day and not been able to break that need.
I have noticed a forum user that has AS repeats *gets coat* or the need to talk about the daily mail readers.
While this can bother other people......he maybe can not break that cycle of posting due to repetative behavior that comes with AS?
Just a thought? and one that means no harm.

I wouldn't call them Autistic traits and take offense when they are called so.

I would call them behavioural traits.

Now for AS to be diagnosed it would need a certain type of behavioural traits, and not all AS "sufferers" are the same. I do not recite lines etc, but my behaviour and how i react in certain cituations dictates whether i have AS or not.

espadrille

Looked at the website in your sig.

Do you offer help support in training/employment for Aspies as well.

I wouldn't call them Autistic traits and take offense when they are called so.

Then all the books iv read must be wrong, all the lectures iv sat in on....must be wrong.
No need to take offence when someone is pointing out you are not on your own.....unless your wanting to be unique?

Now for AS to be diagnosed it would need a certain type of behavioural traits, and not all AS "sufferers" are the same.

I agree...i just gave examples of some im close to and that can be common.
;)

I wouldnt call them Autistic traits and take offense when they are called so..You may not particularly like that title, but it is accurate. Why avoid the connection with autism - which is obvious - by trying to diguise it under the generalisation behavioural traits? They are autistic traits, very clearly.

Then all the books iv read must be wrong, all the lectures iv sat in on....must be wrong.
No need to take offence when someone is pointing out you are not on your own.....unless your wanting to be unique?

You forgot to include that i call them behavioural traits.

And that AS is a set of certain behavioural traits when together give AS. Just having one or two doesn't.

The books may be wrong and I may be right. I haven't written a book on the subject or given a lecture but that doesn't mean i am wrong or right. I don't call or class them as Autistic traits. Doesn't mean there are or aren't just becuase i don't agree with the "professionals".

Rich, that absolute cobblers.

For a start there's extra money for people who have been on long-term Incap to get back to work (which lasts for a year so long as you're still in employment), and for second, you can work and claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Working Tax Credit (possibly), all sorts.

I know that you will have difficulty in doing full-time work, and the sorts of things you can realistically do are limited, but to put your current level of benefits as a barrier to work is crap. You could have a "Better Off Calculation" done in any case by a CAB or DEA before you took a job, to see what extra help you could still receive.

As others have said, you've got to make that first step, mate.

It's what I've always been told, that if I declare myself able to work, I lose incap, and probably DLA, and consequently, unless I am in a position to afford £90 a week rent on the Flat, I would also lose that.

So rightly or wrongly, I daren't risk it, because it would cause untold problems, theoritically I could just move back in with my Parents, but I also have carers coming from Leonard Cheshire's, and transferring the care from the Flat to there would be a pain, it's bad enough changing a time or day for care with the Office at the moment, changing the location of the care would confuse the hell out of them, and they'd cock up.

You may not particularly like that title, but it is accurate. Why avoid the connection with autism - which is obvious - by trying to diguise it under the generalisation behavioural traits? They are autistic traits, very clearly.

I am not avoiding the connection with Autism. I am an Aspie and have a ASD.

Some of those traits mentioned are the same as OCD but i don't have that disorder.

This is why I class them as a behavioural traits and when you X amount say they can then be defined under a disorder if you have them.

It's what I've always been told, that if I declare myself able to work, I lose incap, and probably DLA, and consequently, unless I am in a position to afford £90 a week rent on the Flat, I would also lose that.

So rightly or wrongly, I daren't risk it, because it would cause untold problems, theoritically I could just move back in with my Parents, but I also have carers coming from Leonard Cheshire's, and transferring the care from the Flat to there would be a pain, it's bad enough changing a time or day for care with the Office at the moment, changing the location of the care would confuse the hell out of them, and they'd cock up.

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For you

John F. Kennedy 1961

Rich:

If you truly wanted to work you would be prepared to make sacrifices in order to improve your existence.

If the benefits cushion is sufficient for you, and you do not wish to jeapordise it, then just admit that you don't really want to work.

Once you do that, the better the forum will be, because at least you will be being honest...and as a result, will attract far fewer critics.

When even your staunchest allies are urging you to move forward, and yet you refuse...does that not speak volumes?

It's what I've always been told, that if I declare myself able to work, I lose incap, and probably DLA, and consequently, unless I am in a position to afford £90 a week rent on the Flat, I would also lose that.

So rightly or wrongly, I daren't risk it, because it would cause untold problems, theoritically I could just move back in with my Parents, but I also have carers coming from Leonard Cheshire's, and transferring the care from the Flat to there would be a pain, it's bad enough changing a time or day for care with the Office at the moment, changing the location of the care would confuse the hell out of them, and they'd cock up.

You've been horribly misinformed then, fella.

You will receive DLA for as long as the award has been made*, whether working or not. To look for work, or take work, you don't have to 'declare yourself fit for work'.

If you did more than 16 hours per week, and would earn less than £15k per year, then you'd receive £40 per week on top, not means-tested, for up to a year, as you've been on Incap for more than a year.

You could do permitted work too, which can protect your Incap status.

There are loads of different avenues for you to get help with getting into work, which don't affect your benefits, and there are top-ups, and protection for if it all goes mammaries up, and help for employers to take people on who have difficulties.

*sometimes DLA is awarded for life, but sometimes it is awarded for fixed terms, often 2,3, or 5 years. If you go from being on reduced JSA to £1m per week, you'll still get the DLA for the length of time that the award was made, no matter what.

You've been horribly misinformed then, fella.

You will receive DLA for as long as the award has been made*, whether working or not. To look for work, or take work, you don't have to 'declare yourself fit for work'.

If you did more than 16 hours per week, and would earn less than £15k per year, then you'd receive £40 per week on top, not means-tested, for up to a year, as you've been on Incap for more than a year.

You could do permitted work too, which can protect your Incap status.

There are loads of different avenues for you to get help with getting into work, which don't affect your benefits, and there are top-ups, and protection for if it all goes mammaries up, and help for employers to take people on who have difficulties.

*sometimes DLA is awarded for life, but sometimes it is awarded for fixed terms, often 2,3, or 5 years. If you go from being on reduced JSA to £1m per week, you'll still get the DLA for the length of time that the award was made, no matter what.
Just to say that I got the £40 return to work benefit and all I had to do was send in my payslips every so often.I do agree there are so many ways these days to get in to work and we can all help you Rich.I know you feel it is a risk as it is a leap in to the unknown, but you know what, it would make you feel so good about yourself and of course, would show everyone that you are really committed to getting off benefits and becoming more independant than you are already.

I would be greatfull if you could look in to this for me .:)

I will see what I can find...

espadrille

Looked at the website in your sig.

Do you offer help support in training/employment for Aspies as well.
I do.If you want any help just ask.

I will see what I can find...

Well. that took some time. As many women are undiagnosed, it still appears that the ratio is 1: 4 men.I do believe this is not representative of the actual numbers. The Govt has undertaken a study on the numbers in this country with autism.Does anyone know when it is to begin and how will they go about it?

I do.If you want any help just ask.
I have sent you a PM

Well. that took some time. As many women are undiagnosed, it still appears that the ratio is 1: 4 men.I do believe this is not representative of the actual numbers. The Govt has undertaken a study on the numbers in this country with autism.Does anyone know when it is to begin and how will they go about it?

Any replies to my question?

Well. that took some time. As many women are undiagnosed, it still appears that the ratio is 1: 4 men.I do believe this is not representative of the actual numbers. The Govt has undertaken a study on the numbers in this country with autism.Does anyone know when it is to begin and how will they go about it?This may seem like a silly question, but if they are undiagnosed, how can you be sure they exist?

We both know they do, but surely there are undiagnised men as well?

I can understand that autism might not traditionally have been at the top of the list for conditions to apply to a female patient, but having known one Aspergers sufferer for 30 years, I have only known of one female out of dozens of his friends who are fellow Asperger sufferers, only one.

Of males in care for other conditions, many show AS traits, but few of the women in care do. I accept that there are undiagnosed women out there, but I struggle to believe that their numbers could be even close to the males.

Rich, have you anything to add to Happy Hippy's clarification of the system, and the fact that it can help you 'cross over' smoothly? You seem to have been quite quiet on this thread over the last couple of days...

Rich, have you anything to add to Happy Hippy's clarification of the system, and the fact that it can help you 'cross over' smoothly? You seem to have been quite quiet on this thread over the last couple of days...
Believe me it never works smoothly I have had to fight tooth and nail for 3 months to get the back to work bonus and now it's not guarenteed as I have to fill in 3 different forms before they agree. It's enough to put anyone off.
Lois

Believe me it never works smoothly I have had to fight tooth and nail for 3 months to get the back to work bonus and now it's not guarenteed as I have to fill in 3 different forms before they agree. It's enough to put anyone off.
Lois

It can work smoothly (I don't know your circumstances, so can't comment), but won't in every case. The point was that Rich had been given wildly incorrect information, and there are many ways of helping someone who has been out of (paid) work for a long time.

Anyway (and I'm partly responsible for this), all this is somewhat off topic.

This may seem like a silly question, but if they are undiagnosed, how can you be sure they exist?

We both know they do, but surely there are undiagnised men as well?

I can understand that autism might not traditionally have been at the top of the list for conditions to apply to a female patient, but having known one Aspergers sufferer for 30 years, I have only known of one female out of dozens of his friends who are fellow Asperger sufferers, only one.

Of males in care for other conditions, many show AS traits, but few of the women in care do. I accept that there are undiagnosed women out there, but I struggle to believe that their numbers could be even close to the males.

That is the reason why the government has agreed to find out who the suspects are!!!
What i want to know is what has happened so far to progress this onwards?

Still silence from Rich's corner. But on other news, i'd forgotten how great Drifter choccy bars are. Result. :)

(Edited because i felt bad about the post and didn't want to feel like i was picking on somebody. Lets hope the sun comes out too, and we can enjoy a spot of aerobie rather than listen to me having a go)

Just come back from a meeting with Richard Caborn re services in Sheffiled and nationally for people with AS.

Further to a thread in the Disability and Carer's section, I sent an email to Charlie King from Bridge Employment yesterday about their Supported Employment scheme for adults with autism and AS, and I'm going to a drop in session to meet them next Wednesday at the Upperthorpe Healthy Living Centre at 1.30 PM.

I also signed up online the other night with Kelly Services Employment Agency.

So contrary to the clueless rantings of the likes of JohnBradley, I AM making an effort to get myself into paid work, I've even booked the day off from the Radio show to attend the meeting, although I have promised them that if anything comes of getting paid work from Bridge, I will still work for HBS Radio, as long as I don't end up with total working hours of more than 16 in a week.

Good for you Rich. From small acorns great oaks do grow.

With luck you will soon find yourself in a position where you can work full time and don't need any assistance at all. :thumbsup:

Good for you Rich. From small acorns great oaks do grow.

With luck you will soon find yourself in a position where you can work full time and don't need any assistance at all. :thumbsup:

With the best will in the world mate, I doubt I'll ever be able to work full time, physically for a start never mind anything else.

You can only take those first steps Rich. I hope that you can surprise yourself :)

Further to a thread in the Disability and Carer's section, I sent an email to Charlie King from Bridge Employment yesterday about their Supported Employment scheme for adults with autism and AS, and I'm going to a drop in session to meet them next Wednesday at the Upperthorpe Healthy Living Centre at 1.30 PM.

I also signed up online the other night with Kelly Services Employment Agency.

So contrary to the clueless rantings of the likes of JohnBradley, I AM making an effort to get myself into paid work, I've even booked the day off from the Radio show to attend the meeting, although I have promised them that if anything comes of getting paid work from Bridge, I will still work for HBS Radio, as long as I don't end up with total working hours of more than 16 in a week.
Good one Rich, it's not easy and remember you don't need to compare yourself with others, do what feels right for you and at your own pace.

I used to work for Bridge so they will do what they can to help you, I am sure

Well done for making the move Rich. Lets hope you give them a chance to help you. All the best.

I recemtly enquired about some sort of group for adult Asperges Syndrome sufferers, but was told there as far as she knew there was nothing. I also enquired a few years ago about help from Thorne House and was told it would cost £12 an hr.
So my son and I have struggled though with no help from anybody, in fact with an awful lot of hinderance from so called normal people.

hazel

There is now a group which we have set up ourselves.We are proposing another meet in town this Saturday.You are all welcome to come if your lives have been affected in any way by AS.
See the disability section.

Good Luck for Wednesday by the way Rich

Further to a thread in the Disability and Carer's section, I sent an email to Charlie King from Bridge Employment yesterday about their Supported Employment scheme for adults with autism and AS, and I'm going to a drop in session to meet them next Wednesday at the Upperthorpe Healthy Living Centre at 1.30 PM.

I also signed up online the other night with Kelly Services Employment Agency.

So contrary to the clueless rantings of the likes of JohnBradley, I AM making an effort to get myself into paid work, I've even booked the day off from the Radio show to attend the meeting, although I have promised them that if anything comes of getting paid work from Bridge, I will still work for HBS Radio, as long as I don't end up with total working hours of more than 16 in a week.

Nice one Rich :thumbsup: All the very best mate.

All the best from me too Rich

There is now a group which we have set up ourselves.We are proposing another meet in town this Saturday.You are all welcome to come if your lives have been affected in any way by AS.
See the disability section.

I'd be really interested in this myself, as I have A.S., and have been REALLY STRUGGLING WITHOUT SUCCESS in trying to find work after my last employer effectiveley went bust, IN SPITE OF ME HAVING A B.A. AND M.A. DEGREE lol...


I'm also in the process of setting up a social/advice/networking group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people with Aspergers/autism -I've met quite a few who are; it is provisionally called ASPECS; for more details do PM me.::help:

I'd be really interested in this myself, as I have A.S., and have been REALLY STRUGGLING WITHOUT SUCCESS in trying to find work after my last employer effectiveley went bust, IN SPITE OF ME HAVING A B.A. AND M.A. DEGREE lol...


I'm also in the process of setting up a social/advice/networking group for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people with Aspergers/autism -I've met quite a few who are; it is provisionally called ASPECS; for more details do PM me.::help:

Hi
I can offer a service also and I used to work for Bridge, but it is different to the service they will offer

With regard to job searching, in addition to the appointment with Bridge on Wednesday, this morning I have been round several Agencies in Town trying for part time (16 hours or less) admin work, but nobody has anything part time, only full time for admin, the only part time they have is call centre work, which is not appropriate for someone with a communication disorder.

I am not just making all this effort of late to shut the likes of johnbradley up, I genuinely REALLY want to work and get paid for it, my only concern is that due to the limited hours I am allowed to work without coming off benefits, I may have to give up the radio work if anything comes from Bridge Employment, but I'd much rather keep that on as I enjoy it a lot.

With regard to job searching, in addition to the appointment with Bridge on Wednesday, this morning I have been round several Agencies in Town trying for part time (16 hours or less) admin work, but nobody has anything part time, only full time for admin, the only part time they have is call centre work, which is not appropriate for someone with a communication disorder.

I am not just making all this effort of late to shut the likes of johnbradley up, I genuinely REALLY want to work and get paid for it, my only concern is that due to the limited hours I am allowed to work without coming off benefits, I may have to give up the radio work if anything comes from Bridge Employment, but I'd much rather keep that on as I enjoy it a lot.

Have you tried Tesco's, Sainsbury's, Netto, Aldi etc?

Have you tried Tesco's, Sainsbury's, Netto, Aldi etc?

Netto, Tesco etc are shops, they don't do admin work, which is what I want, despite having NVQs in retail.

Although with the limited hours thing, shop work MIGHT be an option to look into.

Several years ago I worked at the South Road Netto in Walkley while on placement from Loxley College, I enjoyed the work but they said I was too slow at shelf stacking to be kept on permanent after College finished.

I also applied to the Hillsborough Co Op after I left College, they said I was over-qualified and that shelf stacking was beneath me, even though I asked for customer service work, which they said no to because "they only have women on the checkouts" (I'm sure there's something illegal about that under sex discrimination law).

So contrary to the rantings of certain Daily Mail readers on here, it's not like I haven't tried to get a job, it's just everywhere I go they come up with lame excuses to say no.. I wouldn't mind if I was unqualified, but I've spent most of my adult life in and out of College getting computing certificates etc, I even have a City and Guilds in programming from about 5 years ago.

Rich, I have no idea about your verbal skills but your written communication skills are very good indeed, AS or no AS. Hopefully that will be an asset to somebody out there.

Rich, I have no idea about your verbal skills but your written communication skills are very good indeed, AS or no AS. Hopefully that will be an asset to somebody out there.

Yes, but the world does not communication via a forum does it?
He is an asset but he does need support and the right job is important for people with AS.

With regard to job searching, in addition to the appointment with Bridge on Wednesday, this morning I have been round several Agencies in Town trying for part time (16 hours or less) admin work, but nobody has anything part time, only full time for admin, the only part time they have is call centre work, which is not appropriate for someone with a communication disorder.

I am not just making all this effort of late to shut the likes of johnbradley up, I genuinely REALLY want to work and get paid for it, my only concern is that due to the limited hours I am allowed to work without coming off benefits, I may have to give up the radio work if anything comes from Bridge Employment, but I'd much rather keep that on as I enjoy it a lot.

Rich, I've already told you that there's Supported Permitted Work (SPW). Yes, you'd need to see a DEA, and if full time work is too much because of the difficulties you find, then fine. But it is possible for you to do more than 16 hours per week, in certain circumstances, without your Incap status being ruined.

Theoretically, there's no limit to the number of hours you can do (in SPW), but the point is, support is there. The minimum wage would mean that you'd lose IS/IB, but your status is protected.

You would still receive DLA, as I've already told you.

Keep taking the strides, fella. Good luck.

Try here that's what its for as you already know http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=103

EDIT just noticed start date and ok that may be prior to the new section no excuse not to move it though

AM note

I've contributed to this going off topic as well, so I'm slapping my own wrists here, but this isn't the "Why isn't Rich working?" thread, but one to do with services for people on the autistic spectrum in Sheffield.

As a similar thread exists in the Disability and Carers Group, I'm closing this one. Hopefully there'll be less sniping in there.